Really nothing to do with doodles, but a proud me moment.

[Cory Reali]

So sorry if this annoys anyone, but I am so proud of what I've accomplished once I set my mind to it. So I thought I'd share it here.

On January 1st 2012, I said enough was enough. I weighed myself and found that my 6'3'' frame was a whopping 314lbs. That was outrageous and I could not believe that I had let myself get to that point. I've had 3 kids, one child that I had as a surrogate for a couple who couldn't get pregnant for themselves and couldn't do the one thing to guarantee living a better life for my entire family. So we went to the local YMCA and joined. I started going to the gym 2 times a week, worked up to pushing myself so hard that while I lost 20 some pounds in just under 2 months, I stress fractured my foot bad enough that I had to wear a walking cast for 6 months. Then I joined ViSalus and their Body By Vi program. I've been doing it since then and have had some of the most amazing progress since then. I set out to change my life, and I can truly say that I have done that AND THEN SOME. 

Here is my most updated progression photo. From July to now. The night before my new Body By Vi 90 Day Challenge. On my new 90 Day Challenge, my goal is to lose at least 25 lbs, and get my health back into my hands for control, instead of under the control of my migraines. I want to feel good constantly, to enjoy all that losing this weight has created in my life. My pants are too big, I need to buy new ones in my smaller size AGAIN. I have dropped 3 pant/dress sizes, and 4 shirt sizes in a year! I went from not being able to walk more than 5 minutes without needing to sit down being winded and sore to being able to walk 5+ miles in 95 minutes on the Hill program of a treadmill. I did my first 5k in September with my friends Abby, her husband Diego, our friend Ashley and my husband Matt and while I didn't run it, I completed it and you couldn't have ever told me that I would accomplish that. I have had 2 knee surgeries, 4 knee injuries and I DID it. Everyone has to start somewhere. There's always that first 10lbs. ViSalus has shown me how much that means.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Congratulations, great job. You have lots to be proud of.

[Ginny Nightingale]

That is great! Sounds like you are loving the taste of SUCCESS!

I have not lost a lot of weight, but I have joined a gym and started doing Zumba several years ago and have changed my shape to more muscular and fit. I was surprised that at the age of 58, I could re-build muscle--it is a great feeling. I am glad you are feeling empowered to make this change--keep at it!! And, by the way, you are really TALL!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

WTG Cory!  What a difference a year makes.  Congrats on your progress.

[Cory Reali]

Thanks you guys! Yeah what a difference a year makes! And success tastes great! I have gone from 314 to 241 as of right now. I still have 40-50 to go but that 73lbs is AMAZING to be rid of! And Ginny, you can rebuild muscle at any age, it just takes hard work and dedication!

Yes I am really tall, it's annoying sometimes, but can help sometimes too.

[DJ & Chance]

Terrific and congratulations!

[robin langlais]

Job well done!

[Bonnie and Kona]

You are an inspiration! Congratulations, Cory!

[BG and Gavin]

Great work Cory!  You must feel very empowered.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

congratulations - you go girl!!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Great job!

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Cory, congratulations on this accomplishment.  Having struggled with weight for years before success I know the difficulty of this.  Remember the battle NEVER ends, it is a change in lifestyle.  Best wishes for continued success.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Congrats and great job.  I too am in the process of losing weight...so far down 47 since Sept.  It's hard work but it pays off!